Abstract: Access boxes installed within the main cabin of a commercial aircraft provide easier deployment of cables therein. The access boxes include smaller generally rectangular bodies having two openings providing passage of cables from under the main floor into the main passenger cabin to allow access to onboard services by passengers therein. The access boxes may be mounted using permanent fasteners or a removable type connection member. The access boxes are mounted as close to a seat floor track for use in deploying cables therethrough in the conduit of the seat floor track.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a cable in a recess behind a fixed structure, e.g. a storage bin, in an aircraft. A portion of the cable is enclosed in a conduit. Panels adjacent the structure are removed to partially expose the recess and at least one stringer. The conduit is directed into the recess from adjacent one end of the structure until the conduit passes another end of the structure, and the conduit is fastened to the stringer(s). The apparatus provides an easy way to route cable behind a fixed structure without removing the structure and without having to make holes in the aircraft.

Abstract: A telephone system apparatus and method adapted for use on an aircraft seatback which provides an electrical connection point (i.e., jack) formed on a housing of the telephone system. The connection point permits coupling of a user's laptop computer to an on-board network, while the housing also provides the electrical connection point for a telephone handset. In one embodiment a pair of additional electrical connection points are provided for allowing more than one individual to couple his/her laptop computer to phone system, and thus gain access to the network. The telephone system eliminates the need to attach independent jacks at various locations on the seats and efficiently uses the housing of the telephone system for this purpose.

Abstract: A method for positioning a cable in a recess behind a fixed structure, e.g. a storage bin, in an aircraft. A portion of the cable is enclosed in a conduit. Panels adjacent the structure are removed to partially expose the recess and at least one stringer. The conduit is directed into the recess from adjacent one end of the structure until the conduit passes another end of the structure, and the conduit is fastened to the stringer(s). The method provides an easy way to route cable behind a fixed structure without removing the structure and without having to make holes in the aircraft.

Abstract: An electrical cable interconnect device for use in an opening in a panel of an aircraft to interconnect cables on opposite sides of the panel. The interconnect device has a bracket having at least one peripheral edge that is configured and adapted to attach to the panel. A plate extends along a portion of the at least one peripheral edge of the bracket and through the opening in the panel. The plate has at least one opening that allows an electrical cable and/or a connector to be attached to the plate so that the plate facilitates interconnection of electrical cables on opposite sides of the panel. A cover can be disposed on top of the bracket so that the cover covers a portion of the opening in the panel. A gasket can be positioned between the bracket and the panel to seal the connection of the bracket to the panel.

Abstract: Access boxes installed within the main cabin of a commercial aircraft provide easier deployment of cables therein. The access boxes include smaller generally rectangular bodies having two openings providing passage of cables from under the main floor into the main passenger cabin to allow access to onboard services by passengers therein. The access boxes may be mounted using permanent fasteners or a removable type connection member. The access boxes are mounted as close to a seat floor track for use in deploying cables therethrough in the conduit of the seat floor track.

Abstract: An electrical cable interconnect device for use in an opening in a panel of an aircraft to interconnect cables on opposite sides of the panel. The interconnect device has a bracket having at least one peripheral edge that is configured and adapted to attach to the panel. A plate extends along a portion of the at least one peripheral edge of the bracket and through the opening in the panel. The plate has at least one opening that allows an electrical cable and/or a connector to be attached to the plate so that the plate facilitates interconnection of electrical cables on opposite sides of the panel. A cover can be disposed on top of the bracket so that the cover covers a portion of the opening in the panel. A gasket can be positioned between the bracket and the panel to seal the connection of the bracket to the panel.

Abstract: An electrical interface panel adapted to be removably secured to one or more attachment supports which are in turn secured to a corresponding plurality of parallel extending aircraft stringers. The electrical interface panel includes groups of openings formed thereon defining a corresponding plurality of mounting points for external components to be selectively secured thereat. A pair of openings on the electrical interface panel define cover attachment points for a cover to be removably secured to the interface panel. The interface panel allows an electrical box or other closure member to be supported from two or more stringers and accommodates variations in the spacing of the stringers without having to modify the interface panel or the electrical box.

Abstract: An aircraft seat mounted passenger interface apparatus is provided including a seat having an arm portion and a frame. The frame is mounted to a floor of the aircraft. A cavity is formed in the arm portion and an internet interface device is disposed within the cavity. The internet interface device is operable in a first mode enabling access to an internet connection port and in a second mode preventing access to the internet connection port. Preferably, the internet interface device includes an access panel residing substantially flush with a surface of the arm portion in the second mode. Also, the cable interconnecting the internet interface device with an internet server is preferably routed along the frame of the seat.

Abstract: A maintenance cart for use in an aircraft interior is disclosed. The maintenance cart has a pair of maintenance platforms which are capable of being disposed within the maintenance cart. A linear track mechanism is coupled to the maintenance platform which allows for the deployment of the maintenance platforms within an aircraft. A pair of deployable steps are provided which allow maintenance personnel to move through the maintenance cart to the fore or aft of an aircraft.

Abstract: A passenger interface unit as provided that is positioned on a floor portion of an aircraft and attaches to a seat track on the aircraft floor portion. The passenger interface unit can be reattached to different locations long the seat track throughout the aircraft.

Abstract: A passenger interface unit as provided that is positioned on a floor portion of an aircraft and attaches to a seat track on the aircraft floor portion. The passenger interface unit can be reattached to different locations long the seat track throughout the aircraft.

Abstract: A telephone system apparatus and method adapted for use on an aircraft seatback which provides an electrical connection point (i.e., jack) formed on a housing of the telephone system. The connection point permits coupling of a user's laptop computer to an on-board network, while the housing also provides the electrical connection point for a telephone handset. In one embodiment a pair of additional electrical connection points are provided for allowing more than one individual to couple his/her laptop computer to phone system, and thus gain access to the network. The telephone system eliminates the need to attach independent jacks at various locations on the seats and efficiently uses the housing of the telephone system for this purpose.

Abstract: A junction box for an aircraft that provides a convenient and secure device for routing electrical cables through a passenger compartment floor panel of an aircraft. The junction box includes an enclosure that attaches to a bottom surface of the floor panel of the aircraft, and a cover, cable strain support, and gasket, that attach to a top surface of the floor panel. The walls of the enclosure can accommodate various shaped cutouts depending on the type of cable connectors being used with the cables. A portion of the cover is offset from the rest of the cover to provide an access opening for routing cables into the passenger compartment of the aircraft.

Abstract: An electrical cable interconnect device for use in an opening in a panel of an aircraft to interconnect cables on opposite sides of the panel. The interconnect device has a bracket having at least one peripheral edge that is configured and adapted to attach to the panel. A plate extends along a portion of the at least one peripheral edge of the bracket and through the opening in the panel. The plate has at least one opening that allows an electrical cable and/or a connector to be attached to the plate so that the plate facilitates interconnection of electrical cables on opposite sides of the panel. A cover can be disposed on top of the bracket so that the cover covers a portion of the opening in the panel. A gasket can be positioned between the bracket and the panel to seal the connection of the bracket to the panel.

Abstract: An electrical interface panel adapted to be removably secured to one or more attachment supports which are in turn secured to a corresponding plurality of parallel extending aircraft stringers. The electrical interface panel includes groups of openings formed thereon defining a corresponding plurality of mounting points for external components to be selectively secured thereat. A pair of openings on the electrical interface panel define cover attachment points for a cover to be removably secured to the interface panel. The interface panel allows an electrical box or other closure member to be supported from two or more stringers and accommodates variations in the spacing of the stringers without having to modify the interface panel or the electrical box.

Abstract: An equipment rack fabricated from C-channel, flat plate and mechanical fasteners for installation and support of new or retrofit antenna equipment on wide body aircraft. The rack provides direct mechanical connection to aircraft structure, eliminating multipiece turnbuckle assemblies. Vertical rails and support braces each attach at a first end to a combination of flat plates and drip shields, the flat plates and drip shields supporting the antenna equipment. A second end of each vertical rail and support brace attaches directly to aircraft structure by mechanical fasteners. The equipment rack design provides a minimal part design, providing a lower cost for both the equipment rack and its installation.

Abstract: A junction box for an aircraft that provides a convenient and secure means for routing electrical cables through a passenger compartment floor panel of an aircraft. The junction box is comprised of an enclosure that attaches to a bottom surface of the floor panel of the aircraft, and a cover, cable strain support, and gasket, that attach to a top surface of the floor panel. The walls of the enclosure can accommodate various shaped cutouts depending on the type of cable connectors being used with the cables. A portion of the cover is offset from the rest of the cover to provide an access opening for routing cables into the passenger compartment of the aircraft.

Abstract: An aircraft seat mounted passenger interface apparatus is provided including a seat having an arm portion and a frame. The frame is mounted to a floor of the aircraft. A cavity is formed in the arm portion and an internet interface device is disposed within the cavity. The internet interface device is operable in a first mode enabling access to an internet connection port and in a second mode preventing access to the internet connection port. Preferably, the internet interface device includes an access panel residing substantially flush with a surface of the arm portion in the second mode. Also, the cable interconnecting the internet interface device with an internet server is preferably routed along the frame of the seat.

Abstract: A maintenance cart for use in an aircraft interior is disclosed. The maintenance cart has a pair of maintenance platforms which are capable of being disposed within the maintenance cart. A linear track mechanism is coupled to the maintenance platform which allows for the deployment of the maintenance platforms within an aircraft. A pair of deployable steps are provided which allow maintenance personnel to move through the maintenance cart to the fore or aft of an aircraft.